December 15, 2011

Today while baking turtles, Ben convinced me to step into a closet so we could turn into vampires. We then had to step into another closet to change back into humans. While in the second closet I tried the door only to find that the doorknob turned without catching. We were stuck. It was 11 in the morning and I knew no one would think to look for us until well after 3 o'clock when I was due to pick Miles up for school. There was no way I was spending 4 hours in the closet with the oven on. So, I sat on the floor of the closet with my back against the wall and pushed on the door until it ripped and I was able to stick my hand through the crack to reach the doorknob on the outside. We were free and no turtles were burned in the process.

December 11, 2011

Every time I walk into the coop I'm reminded of one of the reasons I love him. I love him because even when it is just a coop he's building; he puts his heart into it. He made a chicken coop beautiful. Not many people would care enough to do that.

I wanted to let you know that Grandpa passed away this morning. You are still here on this earth but were moved to a nursing home while Grandpa stayed at the assisted living facility. Grandpa still sat in the chair next to yours even though you haven’t sat there for a long time. I wonder if he thought of you every time he saw your chair. If he wondered how you were doing. He never asked. Not because he didn’t care about you I don’t think, but probably because he was afraid to hear the truth. He was used to you taking care of him and when that changed, it was probably hard on him. He was ready to go Grandma. He didn’t ask me about my kids or husband or anything about the outside world. I know he was ready.

I just thought you’d want to know that he no longer sits in the chair next to yours and that I know he loved you.

December 06, 2011

We took a trip to the courthouse at the end of a rainy day. I feel like a kid coming here. The building is beautiful all on it's own, but with this display of lights, it takes my breath away. I experience some of that awe and magic that was the Christmas' of my childhood.

December 03, 2011

He pulled the felt ornament from the pocket marked "2" and it was a heart. I was just saying to them how cool it was that the calendar was right next to the picture of Grandma Kincaid, the person that made this advent calendar.

"Oh, yeah." He said. Then he touched the felt and sequined heart that he'd gotten from the pocket on to her picture. He and Grandma Kincaid have a special bond even though they've never met in the flesh. I can feel the love he has for her. Again, I found myself feeling admiration for this woman, my husband's grandmother, that still has such power and love in our everyday lives. She's one lucky lady.

December 01, 2011

It's time, again, for The December Photo Challenge which means I will post a photo for each day of the month of December. I love the way this challenge forces me to slow down and notice those beautiful moments which make up this busy month.

Today we awoke to frost and the boys excitement when they thought it was snow. Not quite snow but pretty nonetheless. I ran outside with my camera when I noticed how pretty the morning sun looked on the frost covered surfaces. And, of course, I couldn't resist a picture of our rooster, Chief, who I think is one of the prettiest creatures in all of the world. He earns a right to be a little sassy with all of those beautiful feathers, don't you think? I could sit and look at him all day.